The AIF Project

William John COOPER

Regimental number1736
Place of birthSouth Grafton, New South Wales
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationLabourer
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation25
Height5' 6"
Weight140 lbs
Next of kinSister, Mrs E Marstalla, Redcliffe Hotel via Brisbane, Queensland
Previous military serviceServed for 2 years in the 4th Light Horse Regiment, Citizen Military Forces; resigned.
Enlistment date4 January 1915
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll6 January 1915
Place of enlistmentLismore, New South Wales
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name9th Battalion, 4th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/26/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, on board HMAT A15 Star Of England on 8 April 1915
Rank from Nominal RollCorporal
Unit from Nominal Roll49th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 13 June 1917

Bat to Military Medal


Recommendation date: 29 October 1917

Distinguished Conduct Medal


Recommendation date: 12 April 1918

Unspecified


Recommendation date: "3-5 August 1916"

FateReturned to Australia 15 January 1919
Medals

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty while in charge of the regimental stretcher bearers. When many of his bearers had become casualties, he, under heavy fire, reorganized squads and brought in and evacuated all wounded. By skilful attention to badly wounded cases, he saved many lives, and, thanks to his fine example, the work was thoroughly and successfully carried out.a
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 15
Date: 4 February 1919

Military Medal

'During the operations at Messines the 7th, 8th and 9th June 1917, this N.C.O. was in charge of the Regimental Stretcher Bearers. he worked continuously during the whole operation, at many times under very heavy artillery and rifle fire. His conscientious devotion to duty was the means of saving many lives.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 219
Date: 20 December 1917

Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'City of Exeter', 15 January 1919; discharged (termination of period of enlistment), Brisbane, 8 May 1919.

Medals: Distinguished Conduct Medal, Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
SourcesNAA: B2455, COOPER William John

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